Life Cycle Observances

NAMING CEREMONY: A naming ceremony for boys and girls can take place in the home or in the synagogue. It can occur as a private family celebration or it can be celebrated during a Shabbat service. Call the Rabbi to discuss various options.

BAR/BAT MITZVAH: Students who are in good standing in our Religious School program and who have achieved the equivalent of three years of Hebrew proficiency are eligible to become Bar/Bat Mitzvah at Temple Beth-El. Students may conduct the Shabbat service in its entirety or they may elect to read Torah and Haftarah only. The celebration of Bar/Bat Mitzvah usually takes place within the context of a Shabbat morning service, but it may be conducted as a Friday evening service or a Saturday evening Havdalah service. Adults who wish to become Bar/Bat Mitzvah will do so in the context of a Friday evening Shabbat service. Our Bar/Bat Mitzvah Handbook is available for those who want more information.

CONFIRMATION: Temple Beth-El encourages all of our Religious School students to continue their studies at least through the Confirmation year (9th grade). Class is taught exclusively by the Rabbi, exploring difficult and meaningful religious questions. The year culminates in a beautiful Confirmation service written by the members of the class.

CHOOSING JUDIASM/CONVERSION: Persons interested in choosing Judaism should make an appointment with the Rabbi. A course of study will be laid out for that individual. There is no way to standardize how much time the process of study and experiencing Judaism will take before the candidate is ready for a conversion ceremony. Contact Rabbi Stevens for more information.

MARRIAGE: Couples should contact the Rabbi for an appointment. He will meet with the couple privately and answer all questions. Wedding dates may not be set until contact has been made with the Rabbi.

FUNERALS/MEMORIAL SERVICES: Temple members are encouraged to call the Rabbi when there has been a death in the family. The Rabbi will assist the family in making arrangements for the funeral or memorial service.

Welcome

Our Mission

Temple Beth-El is a Reform Jewish Congregation dedicated to worship, study, and social responsibility.
As a caring community, we strive to meet the spiritual, intellectual, and cultural needs of each member of our Temple family.